Growing up in Northern Virginia, I was an outdoor kid, spending my days running through the woods and competing in soccer and gymnastics. Over my many years in competitive gymnastics, I developed Osgood Schlatters Disease (a condition that causes painful swelling in your knee), and was eventually forced to leave the sport I loved behind. I transitioned into gymnastic coaching, but my body made it clear that my time within the gymnastics space was over. 

Due to the medical nature of my discomfort, I began to work towards healing. This ultimately led to my introduction to medical message. My massage therapist not only helped me to relax my body, but he also took the time to talk about the specific areas he worked on. By giving me stretches to do for both my back and my left knee, he helped me develop my understanding beyond an individual session and bolstered my interest in the practice of massage therapy as a tool for healing. His approach to healing inspired me, and led me to decide to become a massage therapist myself.